In this episode of Songwriter Trysts, Rae Leigh welcomes Nashville-based singer-songwriter Matt Oakley to discuss his heartfelt song "Soldier's Son," a tribute to his father and Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in combat. Matt shares his unique journey growing up as an "army brat," moving across the world, and eventually discovering his love for music. He also opens up about his songwriting process, the importance of authenticity, and how his personal experiences have shaped his artistry. They explore the emotional impact of military life on families, and the challenge of balancing creativity with the demands of social media in today's music industry.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that dives into the heart of storytelling through song, the power of music to heal, and the resilience of those who serve. Whether you're a songwriter, a music lover, or someone looking to understand the creative process behind meaningful music, this episode offers a genuine glimpse into the life of a passionate artist.Connect with Malachi:

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In this episode of Songwriter Trysts, Rae Leigh sits down with the talented Malachi Gagnon to explore his inspiring journey as a singer-songwriter. Hailing from the serene and woodsy landscapes of New Hampshire, Malachi shares how his surroundings fuel his creativity and passion for music.

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Join us for an insightful conversation about overcoming fear, the joy of creating music, and what it takes to grow as an artist in today’s world.

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In this inspiring episode of Songwriter Trysts, Rae Leigh sits down with Nashville-based Grammy award winning singer-songwriter Tim James, whose journey to success is as unconventional as it is remarkable. Born and raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Tim shares his path from sales jobs in Los Angeles to becoming a successful songwriter in Nashville. Despite setbacks, including painting houses after a publishing deal fell through, Tim took a leap of faith and committed to his passion for music. This decision led him to sign with a publishing company owned by Toby Keith, which resulted in his first single, "My List," hitting number one and being featured on over 11 million albums. Tim's story of risk-taking, perseverance, and eventual success in the music industry offers hope and motivation to all aspiring songwriters. Tune in to hear more about his journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned along the way.

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In the latest episode of the Songwriter Trysts podcast, host Rae Leigh sits down with two of New Zealand's rising country music stars, Miranda Easten and Steffany Beck. These talented artists open up about their journey in the music industry, their aspirations, and what lies ahead for them.

As New Zealand's country music scene continues to grow, Miranda and Steffany are eager to take their talents across the Tasman Sea. Australia, with its thriving music culture, is at the top of their list. "We really want to come to Australia," says Steffany Beck, sharing their plans to connect with Australian fans and immerse themselves in the country music community.

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Exploring the Journey of New Zealand's Rising Country Stars - Miranda Easten and Stephanie Beck

In the latest episode of the Songwriter Trysts podcast, host Rae Leigh sits down with two of New Zealand's rising country music stars, Miranda Easten and Stephanie Beck. These talented artists open up about their journey in the music industry, their aspirations, and what lies ahead for them.

The Road to Australia and Beyond

As New Zealand's country music scene continues to grow, Miranda and Stephanie are eager to take their talents across the Tasman Sea. Australia, with its thriving music culture, is at the top of their list. "We really want to come to Australia," says Stephanie Beck, sharing their plans to connect with Australian fans and immerse themselves in the country music community.

Aiming for the Stars

For Miranda and Stephanie, the journey isn't just about making music; it's about achieving dreams. With goals as lofty as touring Australia and even winning a Grammy, the duo is determined to push their boundaries. As Stephanie puts it, "Awards aren’t the most important thing, but they’re a great thing to aim for." Miranda echoes this sentiment, celebrating their success in New Zealand's top 10 albums chart and the growing recognition of country music in their homeland.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Artists

Rae Leigh also delves into the challenges of the music industry, asking the duo what advice they would give to aspiring artists. Their message is clear: persistence is key. "Just keep going," says Stephanie, emphasizing the importance of learning from every experience and staying true to oneself. Miranda adds, "It's all about little puzzle pieces... just write down your puzzle pieces and tackle them one at a time."

Looking to the Future

As they continue to build their careers, both artists remain inspired by the legends who have paved the way. They cite Dolly Parton and Neil Young as dream collaborators, with Stephanie even dedicating a song on her EP to Dolly titled, "What Would Dolly Do?"

Miranda and Stephanie's passion for their craft is undeniable, and their excitement for what's to come is palpable. For fans and supporters, the best way to stay connected is by following them on social media and streaming their music. And who knows? With any luck, these talented artists might soon be performing live in Australia.

Stay tuned to the Songwriter Trysts blog and podcast for updates on their journey and more inspiring stories from the world of music.

Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Tyla Rodrigues, a rising star in old-school country music. With her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Tyla has made a name for herself at prestigious festivals like Groundwater, Tamworth, and Gympie Music Muster. She has also shared the stage with renowned artists such as Tori Darke, Jeremy Turner, Andrew Swift, and Lane Pittman.

In this episode, Tyla shares her journey, her passion for traditional country sounds, and how she blends them with her unique style. Discover the stories behind her emotive songs inspired by personal experiences, love, heartbreak, and the simple joys of life. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with a true artist dedicated to preserving and evolving the spirit of country music.

Tune in and get to know Tyla Rodrigues, a name to watch in the country music scene!

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Welcome to another episode of Songwriter Trysts. Today, we have the privilege of featuring a rising pop-rock sensation who's making waves with her poignant and deeply relatable music. Melanie Cowmeadow is here to discuss her

'Empath' is an introspective track that delves into the struggles of anxiety and the emotional challenges faced by people pleasers. Melanie's distinctive sound shines through in this song, blending her emotive vocal delivery with heartfelt lyrics and powerful dark pop-rock instrumentation. This vulnerable open letter speaks to anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by their own empathy and the weight of others’ expectations.

With its raw honesty and relatable

This release follows the success of her previous single, 'Dear Dad,' which has been praised for its unique ability to channel personal experiences into music and storytelling. With close to 200,000 collective streams, Melanie continues to solidify her place as an artist to watch.

Hailing from Adelaide, Melanie Cowmeadow is known for her powerful vocals and emotive songwriting. Her music blends introspective lyrics with infectious melodies, drawing inspiration from a diverse array of genres. Seamlessly

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In this episode of Songwriter Trysts, we sit down with Vanessa Lawless, an inspiring singer-songwriter from Grafton, deeply connected to the Northern Rivers. Vanessa shares her journey of discovering her artistic identity, starting from her early inspirations like Shirley Temple to her high school days where she began to realize her potential in songwriting. She reflects on her father's influence, the encouragement she received, and her struggles with self-doubt and perfectionism.

Vanessa opens up about her transformative path, which includes a detour into healing and spirituality as a massage therapist before fully embracing her musical career. She discusses the importance of genuine connections, role models like Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys, and the challenges of navigating the modern music industry. With a focus on creating music that truly represents her values and experiences, Vanessa emphasizes the importance of authenticity and community in her artistic journey. Join us as Vanessa Lawless candidly shares her story, her growth, and her vision for the future.

Watch Vanessa Lawless's liver performance in the Songwriter Trysts Studio HERE

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Australian singer-songwriter Katie Thorne, from Dubo, recently engaged in a vibrant conversation with Rae Leigh, the host of the Songwriter Trysts podcast. During their discussion, Thorne shared her enriching experiences at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she had the opportunity to work with Pat Pattison, the renowned songwriting author of "Writing Better Lyrics." Known for her distinctive sound that echoes the styles of Thelma Plum, Norah Jones, and RAYE, Thorne brings her own unique charm and authenticity to her music. She also delved into her latest musical projects, highlighting her evolving artistry and the fresh, emotive tracks she has been crafting. Her insights and stories reflect a deep passion for her craft, making her a captivating guest on the podcast and a rising star in the music scene.

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